Two New Composite-Ready 3D Printers Launched

Stratasys introduced the F190 CR and F370 CR 3D printers, as part of its F123 Series, which are designed to run high-strength composite materials. Along with the two printers, the company also launched the new FDM Nylon-CF10 material reinforced with 10% carbon fiber.

Stratasys says F370 CR and F190 CR 3D printers will help manufacturers produce end-use parts faster and more cost effectively, noting that the FDM Nylon-CF10 is reportedly more than 60% stronger and nearly three times as stiff as its base nylon material.

The new printers are based upon the F123 series printer architecture and are able to run more advanced materials through some alterations to the hardware, including  a new extrusion head. This head can process materials with higher abrasiveness and therefore higher strength and stiffness, with Stratasys noting in a launch press conference that the alterations were “built around printing short-fiber-reinforced plastics.”

In terms of strength and stiffness, Stratasys says the new Nylon CF10 material lies between ABS reinforced with carbon fiber, which it offers on the F123 printers, and nylon 12 with carbon fiber, which it offers on its Fortus series.

The F190 CR has a build size of 12 by 10 by 12 in., which is the same as Stratasys’ F270 printer, and a build volume of 1440 in³. In addition to the new Nylon CF10, the F190 CR can run ABS, ASA, and TPU, as well as carbon-filled ABS and nylon, with two material bays.

The F370 CR has a build area of 14 by 10 by 14 inches with a volume of 1960 in³. It can print ABS, ASA, TPU, PC/ABS and carbon-filled ABS and nylon. It has four material bays and auto changeover, which means there is no need to interrupt a build to replace materials. A new canister is put in place, and the build continues.

The new 3D printers include integrated GrabCAD Print software for CAD-to-print workflow. Stratasys also provides enterprise application connectivity through the MTConnect standard and its GrabCAD Software Development Kit. The composite-ready F123 Series printers include reusable build trays, a built-in camera for remote monitoring and a 7-in control touchscreen.

Stratasys says the new composite-ready F123 Series printers and FDM Nylon-CF10 are currently available for order and are expected to ship in June.